Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie Release
Why Should You Choose MoreSMILES Dental Spa for Your Frenectomy?
Safe and Gentle Laser Procedure
Faster Healing
Newborns to Adults
We Work with Your Speech Pathologist or Myofunctional Therapist
What are Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie?
Both a lip-tie and tongue-tie are physical developments that an individual would have from birth and would not be something developed later in life, though it may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Often times, they are noticed in infants due to trouble breastfeeding or toddlers due to trouble with speech. In adults, it is often diagnosed by a dentist or ENT upon exam or treatment for another health condition. Both can lead to limited functionality of the mouth and interfere in the development of the oral cavity and facial structure, which is why early diagnosis and treatment is best.
A tongue-tie is diagnosed when the tether under the tongue, or frenulum, is too short or positioned too far forward in the mouth. This will limit the functionality and movement of the tongue, which could lead to difficulty with speech, difficulty eating or drinking, and oral development.
A lip-tie is diagnosed when a tether along the inside of the upper or lower lip, or frenulum, is too short or positioned too close to the gumline. This would limit lip movement, making it difficult for an infant to latch during breastfeeding, or make speech difficult for a toddler. Often a speech pathologist may refer a toddler to a dentist for evaluation when they observe the child struggling to form sounds and becoming frustrated. In adults, the lip-tie could cause gaps in the teeth and make oral appliances or dental prosthetics uncomfortable.
There are a few visual indications of a lip-tie or tongue-tie that would be noticeable to you. Often times, a tongue-tie results in the short tether under the tongue being Eiffel Tower-shaped when the tongue is lifted. While a lip-tie would can be spotted by seeing the tethers along the inside of the lip appearing to attach to close to the gumline and gaps in teeth forming where the tethers are attached.
What is a Frenectomy and Why Might Someone Need One?
A Frenectomy is performed by making an incision in the frenulum, or the tissue tether under the tongue or along the inside of the upper or lower lip. Traditionally this would be performed with the use of a steel scalpel. However, laser technology has been found to be safer, more precise, gentler, and results in little to no bleeding and faster healing.
With the WaterLase dental laser, Dr. James Moreau is able to complete the procedure in under 20 minutes without the need for shots or anesthesia. With the laser, healing can often be expected to take about a week.
A frenectomy may be recommended by a dentist, physician, speech pathologist, or myofunctional therapist for different reasons depending on age and functional difficulties. In an infant, a frenectomy may be recommended if the infant has trouble latching during breastfeeding or gaining weight. A toddler may be referred for a frenectomy if they are having trouble with speech.
An adult may be recommended for a frenectomy for a few different reasons: if a frenulum is causing gum recession that could lead to tooth loss; if a frenulum is causing gaps in the teeth, especially between the front two teeth; for cosmetics if a lip-tie release would allow the lip to go higher; to allow a denture or partial denture to fit more properly and comfortably; or if the adult is experiencing difficulties with speech with swallowing.
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